Kiwi - Bird of New Zealand
With New Zealand getting so much attention from its wines and Lord of the Rings, it's no suprise that the flightless Kiwi bird is also becoming popular.
The kiwi is in fact ONLY found in New Zealand. The kiwi is the lucky survivor of a group of birds doomed to extinction. The moa was another flightless bird which is no longer around. One of the reasons this chicken-sized bird has managed to survive is that it can run faster than a human and can lash out with its sharp claws when cornered.
Kiwis are best known for their long beaks and their inability to fly. They are light brown in color. They raise broods of only 1-2 young and are cared for by both parents. In fact it is the male that sits on the nest to keep the eggs warm.
Few creatures ate Kiwis in their natural environment, so ironically it is their popularity that is causing their troubled situation. While they live in the wild, they're safe. But with outsiders becoming fond of the kiwi, they are being captured and carted off to zoos and cages.
Luckily, the New Zealanders have instituted measures to protect the habitat and life of this little bird, and have even used it on their official emblems.
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